Branko Kolarić resigns from Croatia's SDP after nearly two decades

Branko Kolarić SDP resignation independent MP Croatian parliament HDZ majority

Epidemiologist, parliamentarian and former Zagreb SDP president Branko Kolarić announced on Facebook that he is leaving the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after 19 years of membership. In his resignation letter he wrote, "My beloved party has taken a different path and I can no longer be part of its erosion of democratic character," adding that he will continue to serve as an independent MP.

Kolarić said he will not join the governing HDZ majority, but he intends to press the coalition on issues he supports, stating, "I will pressure them and maybe achieve something, even if only to sow a seed." Party officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Construction Minister Branko Bačić, remarked that parties always experience entries and exits, and SDP secretary Saša Đujić suggested the move could pave the way for Kolarić to become a "hand" of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, a claim Kolarić has not confirmed.

The resignation reduces SDP’s parliamentary representation by one seat and may affect future coalition dynamics, though Kolarić has emphasized his independence and refusal to take a formal role in the ruling majority.